The Favorites: Division III

Based on program cultures and talent, we believe there are six teams in Division III that should be considered the favorites to make it down to The Schott for the Final Four. If any of these teams win the State Championship, it would come as no surprise.

Versailles

Versailles lost just two games last season, one of which ended their season in the Regional Semifinals. They return Justin Ahrens, the Co-Player of the Year in Division III from a year ago. The Ohio State commit will give Versailles a chance in every game they play this season and probably 20+ wins again. Ahrens is big and athletic enough to affect the game in the paint but he specializes as a shooter with range. AJ Ahrens, the twin brother of Justin, was last season’s second leading scorer and should provide a presence inside once again.

Bethel Tipp City

Bethel is another team who was eliminated by Roger Bacon on their stampede into the Final Four. Bethel ended the season as the #9 team in Division III. They graduated Tyler Terry, an athletic 6’4” player that helped on the boards and defense. Replacing a guy like Terry could be a bit tougher than expected, as Bethel comes into the season without much size. However, their duo of guards, Caleb South and Ryan Rose, combines for one of the top backcourts in Division III. South has been the leader of this team for a few years now. He’s a motor that scores it in bunches, especially as a downhill fastbreak weapon. Rose has blossomed over the grassroots season to become a top Division III prospect. His impressive consistency as a catch-and-shoot threat from 3 could push them to a new level this season.

The Wellington School

The Wellington School made it all the way to the Division IV State Championship last year and have since moved up. They’ve lost size from last year’s team as a couple post players have moved on to play college ball in Dustin Harder (Belmont Abbey) and Adam Porter (Wittenberg). That doesn’t mean Wellington will be small however. They have three forwards (Noah Berry, Bob Faller, John Faller) who are skilled and should rebound the ball well. Berry and the Fallers should also allow the team to switch everything, as they’re all quick and athletic. Guy Schmidt and Dallas Patrick return as the starting backcourt this season. Schmidt is a facilitator from the point guard spot. The shooters on this team compliment Schmidt’s drive-and-kick style, Patrick being the best shooter of the bunch. Their top player is Air Force signee Solomon Pierre-Louis. Pierre-Louis is instant offense from the wing, especially on his way to the basket.

Lutheran East

The reigning Division IV State Champion Lutheran East Falcons return a few top players from their run last season. However, they did graduate point guard Maurico Tate and forward Justin Motley. Also, Keandre Graves has transferred to Garfield Heights. They did, however, grab a couple transfers of their own in Nehemiah Benson and David Gulley. Gulley should take over Tate’s role as the point guard on this team. Instead of being a super athletic slasher, Gulley hurts the defense from the outside with his shooting more than anything. Benson, a sophomore, is an athletic big that plays well in transition and is strong around the basket. Lutheran East’s top returner is Ashland commit Jordan Burge. He’s too much strong to be defended by most guards and too quick for the forwards. Even though Lutheran East moved up from Division IV, you’ll notice they’re our only team from Northeast Ohio in this preview. We expect them to make it back to Columbus.

Ottawa-Glandorf

While many top teams were moved up a division this offseason, Ottawa-Glandorf was moved down from Division II after being ranked #5 in the state as season’s end. O-G’s senior class is led by Jay Kaufman and Jake Dible. Kaufman was Second Team All State a season ago after averaging 18.6 points. Dible is a center that is receiving Division III interest. Dible has some ability to score inside but he’s mainly going to be a force on the boards. The question for O-G is Kaufman’s knee injury that sidelined him for his senior season of football. Kaufman is rumored to come back in December or January. Don’t expect them to be atop the AP State Poll this season, as they’ll likely drop games at the beginning of the season with their senior leader out. But, O-G will be strong once the postseason rolls around if Kaufman is good to go.

Archbold

After appearing in the Division III Final Four last season with a starting lineup that consisted of just one senior, Archbold is the favorite to come out of Northwest Ohio this season. Bryce Williams, a solid 6’2” guard led the team to Columbus last season with his 14.8 points per game. Fellow seniors, Eli Miller and Kaiden Bedsole, surround him on the perimeter for an experienced group. They’re anchored by an athletic 6’5” junior big man in Rigo Ramos, who can defend and grab boards.